GOD’S WORD FOR CHILDREN

Mrs Jemima Khoo

Why Reach Children?

The children’s ministry is an important one. Jesus placed a high value on children as seen in Matthew 18:1-14. Jesus had called a little child and set him in the midst of them when His disciples asked who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Mark 9:36 shows that the child was very little. Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). It showed that adults had to depend humbly upon God, like little children, to enter God’s kingdom. “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me” (Matthew 18:5) showed the importance of children. Children can also believe in God as seen in verse 6, “… these little ones which believe in me.” Jesus gave a warning against taking the children lightly, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones … in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). Christ also taught the importance of one child in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, where there is rejoicing over each one saved, and it is His will that not one should perish (cf. Matthew 18:10-14).

Besides placing a high value on children, we also want to reach out to children as they are God’s gift to us. These little ones are open to God, and many conversions take place before the age of 18. Children have their whole life before them and they have many years to serve the Lord. God gives the responsibility of leading children to the Saviour to all believers, as seen in the Great Commission. Each child must make a decision to believe in Christ for God has no grandchildren, only children.

How to Reach Children?

Having understood the importance of children, how then do we reach them? We reach them by teaching them the Word of God. The Bible is the very Word of God and is the final authority in life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). From reading the Bible, we “might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). The Word of God keeps our way pure and keeps us from sinning against God (Psalm 119:9, 11, 19). As we teach them God’s Word, we want to teach the Bible as God’s whole revelation, i.e. we should not build a doctrine from just one passage but teach according to the context. We teach them that the Bible is our final authority in life and what they hear and believe is not just because the teacher or parent says so but God’s Word says so. Each child should have his own Bible and treasure it.

Teach God’s Word through Bible Stories

In teaching the Bible, we do so in ways that are best suited to the children. The method that we usually use is the story-telling method. Throughout Scriptures, God used tellers of His story from Moses (who wrote the events from Creation to Joshua) to Nathan (to tell David the parable). Jesus Himself used many parables. The story-telling method is able to hold the attention of an audience. Before we tell a Bible story, always ask God to help us and pray that His Word will speak to the hearts of the children. We need to know the story well, and even if we already know the story, the preparation part is important. Know our audience well as toddlers learn differently from those who are in the upper-primary level. With young ones, our stories should be brief, and we can have repetition along the way. With the older ones who have longer attention spans, we can tell a longer story, but we have to be mindful when we have to stop. As we tell the story, be sure to emphasize that the events are real, and do not use imaginary stories with Bible backgrounds. As we share God’s Word with the children, do so from our heart, praying that the Holy Spirit will work in them to receive His Word.

Teach God’s Word through Scripture Memorization

Another way to reach the children is through teaching them memory verses from the Scriptures. Christ is our example in showing us the importance of memorizing Scriptures. When tempted by Satan, He was able to defeat him with the authority of God’s Word. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11) tells us that the Word of God can help us to overcome temptation and sin. When children feel troubled, they will be blessed when they recall verses that they have committed to memory. They will be able to apply what they have learnt to life, and they will know where to turn to when in trouble.

Teach God’s Word through Songs

A third way to reach the children is through music in the church program. Singing good Christian songs is another way to ground them in the Christian faith. In Colossians 3:16, we are exhorted to “… [teach] and [admonish] one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Before singing, explain the main teaching of the song to the children. There are many good children’s songs to teach (such as those from Salvation Songs for Children published by the Child Evangelism Fellowship), and children are not too young to learn hymns which teach many doctrinal and Scriptural truths.

Teach God’s Word through Example

Whether we are a parent or a teacher, our life has to be good example. Children tend to look up to the adults, hence we have to be conscious of how we conduct ourselves before the children. We need to ask ourselves if we are living godly lives that the children can imitate. The Apostle Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ.” The parent or the teacher need to, therefore, set a good example for the children to follow after them in the Lord’s way.

Teach God’s Word with Help from the Holy Spirit

As we share God’s Word to the young ones, we do so with help from the Holy Spirit. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). We teach with God’s help and not by our own strength. We must, therefore, humbly rely upon the Lord as we minister to the children.

In conclusion, as we endeavour to reach out to children through God’s Word, let us not forget that parents have the prime and main responsibility in teaching and imparting God’s Word to their children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” God warns that if children are not taught, future generations will cease to follow His Word. “That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born, who should arise and declare them to their children. That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments” (Psalm 78:6-7). If you are a parent, you have this main responsibility. If you are a Sunday school teacher, you are there to supplement the role of the parents and to do your best in reaching out to the children. We teach God’s Word through the use of Bible stories, Scripture memorization, Christian songs, by setting a good example, and last but not least, with help from the Holy Spirit. May we strive to serve the Lord faithfully till He comes!

[From Shine Forth: Truth BPC Missions Society Journal, April 2016.]

OUR CHILDREN LEARN TO GIVE

Mrs Leanne Joseph

On the topic of giving in Counselling Recipes, Rev Timothy Tow extended generous giving to that of all human relationships like loving our enemies and forgiving others. Not only must we not owe, we should “lend without demanding it back, yea, to give and in its final projection, to forgive.” A new dimension I understood about giving was when the lecturer said, “When we give, we purge ourselves of covetousness.” Truly giving is a great blessing.

I was also taught this lesson on giving by a Primary 2 boy in the junior worship class. He had written a thank you note to pastor which appeared in the weekly. At the end of class I called him to the front and showed that class what he had written, and how they too can likewise write encouraging notes to our pastor. After which, he quietly turned and looked up at me and said, “and I also gave him $1.60.” I was so moved by his cheerful spirit of giving.